Suzanne's Doll Hospital FAQs

For how many years has Suzanne's Doll Hospital been offering doll restoration services?
Suzanne began offering doll restoration services approximately 15 years ago.  You can see some of her previous patients on our Hospital Picture Page.

How long does it take to complete an order?
Most orders are completed in under 12 weeks and many much, much sooner than that.

How does restoration effect the value of my doll?
This is a difficult question. In some cases doll restoration can enhance the value of your doll, and in some cases it can detract from the value of your doll. A good cleaning and restringing always is of benefit to old dolls. Repainting should only be done when absolutely necessary, when the original surface of the doll is so badly damaged that the doll has lost all appeal. In most instances it is best to preserve original finishes at all costs. A severely cracked doll head can only have its value enhanced by a quality doll restoration. Contact Suzanne for advice on your doll restoration project at (419)675-1881.

Is it always a good idea to restore an antique doll?
No. Oftentimes an old doll is best left as it is. Suzanne can advise you if your doll should be restored.

Will I be able to tell that my doll has been restored?
Yes and no. Most of our repair work is virtually invisible to the naked eye, however repainting can be visible if the doll is inspected with a black light, and professional bisque restoration work can often be seen if the inside of the head is viewed.

How do I go about having my doll restored?
Email us with specifics concerning your doll's damages to receive an estimate for restoration and packing instructions by filling out the Hospital Admissions Form. You can also bring your doll into the shop anytime for a free restoration estimate. If you would like to speak to our "Doll Doctor" directly, please contact us via email and we will set up a phone consultation.  To view a selection of before and after pictures, visit our Restoration page.

Do I need an appointment to bring my doll to the shop in order to have it restored?
No. Just bring the doll in during regular business hours. If you would like to meet with our Doll Doctor in person, please email us or call 1-419-675-1881.

I would like to restore my doll by myself. Can you tell me how to do it?
The Doll Cupboard does not offer doll restoration classes.  We do however offer some advice on general cleaning and care for a limited selection of dolls. 

Should I buy an antique doll that is damaged, or one that has been restored?
There is nothing wrong with buying a damaged or restored antique doll. However, the doll should be represented accurately, with all repairs or restorations noted, and should be priced accordingly. A bisque doll with a damaged or repaired head is usually worth about 50% less than a perfect example. An eye chip typically reduced the value 10-15%. Wig pulls, piercing hole flakes, and mold flaws (in my experience) do not reduce the value of a doll, nor does discreet touchup repainting on a doll's body. However, a totally repainted body usually devalues the doll $100.

How important is it that the head is original to the body?
Though it is most desirable for an antique doll to retain its original body, it is totally acceptable for an antique doll head to be on an appropriate body. In order for the body to be appropriate, it must be the correct type of body that is typically found with the head, and of the correct size and era. Some dolls, including German china head dolls, were frequently sold by the factories as heads alone. In the case of these heads, an appropriate body would be a homemade cloth body that is of the right period and size.

What is original clothing, and how important is it that a doll has it?
Original clothing does not just mean antique clothing or clothing from the same period as the doll. Rather, the term means clothing that was originally worn by that exact doll. The clothing can be either homemade by the dollís first owner or her family, or factory made clothing that was sold with the doll. Most antique dolls do not retain their original clothing. If the doll is no longer wearing its original clothing, it should be costumed in antique clothing from the same period during which the doll was manufactured. Because antique dolls that retain their original clothes and shoes are rare, they typically command 50% or more in price. A doll that is in new clothing is not as valuable as one wearing antique or original clothing, but Suzanne will upon request design a replica of original antique clothing.

How do you clean & preserve antique doll clothing?
If requested, Suzanne will do her best to clean and mend your antique doll clothing with much care. If an item has undergone alterations, it is only upon request and noted in the item description.

For more information on the related website Dollcupboard.com, please visit www.dollcupboard.com/dollcupboard-faqs-page/.

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